Ben Simmons is currently doing his due diligence to force the Philadelphia 76ers into a trade by reportedly announcing his intentions of holding out from training camp if no deal is found. For the last few days, he has been in countless rumors attaching him to Golden State featuring combinations of James Wiseman, Andrew Wiggins and their two first-round picks from this season. Outside of the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Warriors are the only team with enough trade capital to get Philadelphia’s attention.
But according to CBSSports.com, the apprehension could be coming from Golden State’s side.
The Golden State Warriors are not believed to be interested in trading for Ben Simmons for as long as Draymond Green is still on the roster.
The debate is over concerns that Simmons and Green can co-exist on the floor together. Both have well documented shooting deficiencies, but are outstanding and versatile defenders that can pass and operate off the dribble. While the three time All-Star Simmons would fit seamlessly alongside Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, Draymond Green provides some redundancy that has the Warriors decision makers divided.
Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area calls the Warriors interest in Simmons as “conditional”
“According to league sources, any interest the Warriors might have in Simmons is conditional,” Poole wrote. “In short, they’re not that interested as long as Draymond Green is on the roster. …
“The Warriors, according to sources, are divided on the subject. Some see great potential in having two skilled players thriving in the ball-movement principles, especially in transition. Simmons also happens to be six years younger than Green. Others, however, believe having two non-shooters on the court is too crippling for an offense, even with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, to overcome, particularly in the postseason.”
Poole stated in his reports that he “can’t imagine” CEO Joe Lacob and team president Bob Myers trading Green, but he also said it can’t be completely ruled out.
